Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center in downtown Los Angeles has a new chief executive.

Brian Smolskis, a former PIH Health executive, takes the helm this week. He succeeds Alina Moran, who left this summer and is now a strategic adviser with the Seattle-based nonprofit Samaritan.

California Hospital Medical Center is one of the oldest hospital facilities in Southern California, founded in 1887 as California Hospital. Today, it has 318 licensed beds – about 230 of which were staffed as of 2024. According to information filed with the state department of Health Care Access and Information, the hospital posted just more than $600 million in net patient revenue last year.

The hospital offers a wide range of services including a level II trauma center, a women’s health center, obstetrics and pediatric services, cardiac care and surgical services.

‘Extensive understanding’

Smolskis previously served just over a year as chief operating officer for Lompoc Valley Medical Center. Before that, he spent 17 years at Whittier-based PIH Health, which runs three hospitals in southeastern Los Angeles County and more than 30 outpatient medical offices.

Jill Welton, market president of Dignity Health Southern California, praised Smolskis’ experience.

“His extensive understanding of hospital operations, coupled with his financial prowess and steadfast dedication to community health, perfectly aligns with our commitment to…delivering exceptional care in downtown L.A.,” she said in the announcement.

Smolkis said he welcomes the opportunity to run a hospital with such a long history.

“I am honored to join California Hospital Medical Center, an institution with a rich history and a profound commitment to the health and well-being of downtown Los Angeles,” he said.